Edhat Staff
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory for the majority of the Central and Southern California coastline.
The Coastal Flood Advisory, as well as a High Surf Advisory, is in effect from 4:00 a.m. Thursday through 10:00 p.m. Saturday. NWS also issued a Beach Hazards Statement that remains in effect through late Wednesday evening.
For the Beach Hazards Statement, nuisance to minor coastal flooding is expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor coastal flooding expected. For the High Surf Advisory, large breaking waves of 7 to 12 feet with dangerous rip currents. Local sets of 15 to 20 feet will be likely near Point
Conception.
The most dangerous conditions are expected on Thursday. Each morning Thursday through Saturday, residual high tides of 6.0 to 6.5 feet will enhance the coastal flooding risk, according to NWS.
Flooding of sea water is likely, around the time of high tide, over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas such as parking lots, beaches, and walkways. Significant damage to roads or structures is not expected.
There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.
NWSv advises to take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property and not to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
“Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks,” NWS states.
“A surfer’s lifeless body was recovered from the ocean off Santa Barbara on Wednesday, according to the Santa Barbara City Fire Department. Firefighters and other emergency personnel responded at about 12:15 p.m. to the incident below Mesa Lane”